Assignment 5 Nahyung Kim

There are many factors related to the acoustics of a space. Components of a space, walls, floor, and the ceiling, are all very important in how sound works. The acoustic performance depends on the shape, size, proportion, and surface conditions of these components. Doors and other openings are also important in blocking out unwanted noise.
Sound reflections depend on the surface shape. A flat ceiling and a curved ceiling distributes sound differently in a closed space (usually, a curved surface does a better job in evenly distributing sound). Doors and other openings are also important in blocking out unwanted noise. Absorbing sound is as important as reflecting them. The critical places to consider are side walls that are the closest to the screen/speakers. Noise transmission between theaters and between the theater and other programmatic spaces can be solved with methods of absorbing sound through tightly sealed openings and materials.
Professionals talk about sound waves when dealing with acoustics. They discuss sound waves in its "frequency," which is how humans perceive sound. In physics, acoustic wave equation is used to calculate and deal with sound waves and acoustic performance. The equation describes "acoustic pressure," which is the deviation caused by sound waves from the ambient atmospheric pressure, the particle velocity, in relation to position and time.
Architects deal with acoustics when designing a space through different tools and programs. A program architects may use is called "Listen," which is a 3D modeling aural simulation tool. Grasshopper plug-in, Revit, and other 3D modeling tools are also widely used. Architects refer to professional rules like the THX criterias to make sure the designed space meets the requirements that allow for the best audience experience.

LMN Architects - University of Iowa School of Music (ceiling canopy)

 The ceiling canopy designed by LMN Architects is composed of 946 uniquely laced and suspended panels. These panels serve many functions like: sprinklers, theatrics, acoustics, lighting, speakers, and sculptural (hiding the structural elements). The different degrees of openings in the panels determine what function each panel serves (70% enclosure hides sprinklers). LMN Architects used parametric modeling and CNC milling (for study models) in order to bring and transmit sound as quickly to the audience as possible.

Sources:
http://www.acousticsbydesign.com/venues/cinema-acoustics.htm
http://sensingarchitecture.com/1403/architectural-acoustics-a-simulation-tool-video/
Wikipedia - architectural acoustics, acoustic wave equation